Customer Reviews

Sacred Steel Live!

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This compilation is the real thing. Unlike some othersthat simply feature the music (which is cool also), this CD gives you a solid look at the House of God services featuring the steel guitars that enhances the worshipping.

One tune called "Hollering" is one such example. The actual sermon is mixed in with the joyous music. Willie Eason, the pioneer of this kind of music, makes several appearances that preserve his genius.

Recently, this CD has become of added interest since it was the recording debut of the now-rising star Robert Randolph. His rendition of the hymn "Without God" led to his being signed to do the CD "The Word", which jump-strated his career. This version of this song (which later appeared in its entirety on "The Word") is wonderful, but it fades out as Randolph really starts to
cook. This is also the case with some of the other songs. But what remains is still a joyous experience.

I am extremely proud of this album because my husband is a dedicated House of God musician who plays his steel guitar in the same fashion as the young men on this album. We are personal friends of Chuckie, Phil, Derrick Campbell, Calvin Cooke and other musicians and singers on this recording. The music is true House of God style. If you don't have it, definitely buy it!

Rev. Chara Williams-Hampton Ridgeville, South Carolina

Arhoolie Records is a fundamentally important record company. Thanks to Chris for this and all the other records he's put out over the years.

By the way, this record rocks (and screams and cries and everything else!)

This is the fifth cd of the sacred steel of the House of God churches. Musically, the Katie Johnson with the Campbell Brothers is a highlight of the album - she appears to be truly inspired by being live. Willie Eason's vocals and guitar with the Campbell Brothers is another masterpiece - vocals in a blues vein. For folk music, the cuts Hollering and Don't Let the Devil Ride are very informative.

For a 5th time, the quality has been maintained. Enjoy.

This is about as good as it gets. Praising using cool music. Imagine a mix between the Allman Bros. and Al Green and You get the Campbell Brothers. But these folk aren't sining the shallow praises of "baby, baby, baby"....they're singing the deeper "lord,lord,lord"

Music with a real purpose, other than selling "hit singles and getting endorsements"...get to a House of God Church near you and you'll hear this style of music exploding out the doors...bring your dancing shoes...this is unlike any church you've ever seen !!

Religious affiliation is unnecessary to appreciate this completely awesome CD. Firmly rooted in traditional gospel, yet forward looking at the same time. This is not that slick Christian pap but screaming, rocking stuff that tears into the soul of even a godless atheist like myself. Arch Brownlee meets Johnnie Winter. Fantastic!

Sacred Steel, (recorded live at various church and civic spots in '98 and '99 - with fidelity ranging from excellent to okay), is an electrifying praiseful thing. This is the House of God's (Pentecostal Church), way of doing it, and although I'm not a member (nor a Christian), it really hits the spot. I can't imagine anyone being able to keep still and not overflow with mind-blowin' ecstasy hearing this music (live or at home). For me it makes any place it's played or heard into a church, the church of Life.

Most of these are songs, belted out to a mix of slow and fast gospel and blues, but also 4 of the 16 recordings are instrumentals, all done with exuberant, creative and playful virtuosic skill on lap-steel and pedal steel guitars with full band backing. This may be my first exposure to the House of God's sacred steel but it surely won't be the last!

"Sacred Steel" is an experience like none other, also I too am a member of The House of God, I have yet to see nor hear this any where else. The collection is authentic but to really REALLY enjoy this: "See it and Hear it LIVE!!!

This album is worth buying. It is spiritually uplifting and has great harmony and melody. If you are looking for good christian music, this is a great buy.